Ferocactus peninsulae | Peninsula Barrel Cactus
€58,30
🌱 Morphology
It is a solitary Ferocactus, with an initially globose or ovoid body that, with age, becomes club-shaped and finally cylindrical. The epidermis is bluish-green. It can reach approximately 2.5 m in height and 40 cm in diameter, although in cultivation it usually remains quite a bit smaller.
It has 12–20 prominent and deep ribs. The areoles are large, up to about 2 cm. Each develops up to four central spines arranged in a cross. The lower one is particularly characteristic: it is very flattened and strongly hooked, reddish or grayish in color, and often with a yellowish tip. The radial spines are numerous and variable, generally around 10–11, and can be straight or acquire a somewhat bristly and twisted appearance.
This hooked lower central spine is one of the most useful features for recognizing the species.
🌍 Habitat and geographical distribution
It is a species endemic to northwestern Mexico, distributed throughout Baja California and Baja California Sur, from practically sea level up to about 450 m in altitude.
It lives in desert and dry scrub environments, in rocky areas, sandy terrains, and hillsides. It shares habitat with other characteristic cacti of the Baja California peninsula. The wild population is under pressure from illegal collection and habitat transformation. It belongs to the family Cactaceae.
❄️ USDA Zone and minimum growing temperatures
As a horticultural reference, it can be approximately placed in USDA 9a–11. It tolerates mild winter frosts of up to -4°C as long as the soil remains dry.
☀️ Lighting
It needs full sun. Intense light allows for compact growth, well-colored epidermis, and strong spination. For specimens grown under protection, a progressive adaptation to direct sun should be carried out. As a practical goal during active growth, approximately 20–30 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ of DLI PAR is recommended.
💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter dormancy. It exhibits mainly spring-summer growth, taking advantage of the warm temperatures and seasonal rains in its native area.
During the active phase, it is recommended to water abundantly, thoroughly wetting the substrate, and letting it dry completely before the next watering. The frequency should be adjusted to temperature, radiation, pot size, and actual drying speed.
From autumn onwards, watering should be progressively spaced out until suspended during winter. Dry dormancy is especially important when temperatures drop.
🌸 Flowering
The flowers are large and broadly bell-shaped, approximately 5–6 cm in length, with a coloration that can range from yellow to red, usually with central veins of orange or reddish tones.
Flowering can extend from spring to autumn, depending on the population and growing conditions. In Madrid, flowering is mainly expected in summer and early autumn, approximately between July and September.
🌿 Nutrition
During active growth, Desert CHOICE® Cactaceae NPK (Ca-Mg) 4-4-7 (4-4) is recommended. Its contribution of assimilable calcium promotes the formation of firm tissues and turgor, while magnesium is involved in chlorophyll formation.
This is an inimitable xerophytic plant cultivated in Madrid in a technological square pot and with the specific Desert SOIL substrate.
Xerophyte in a 30cm black pot.
* As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the specimen sent may vary slightly from the product image. The photo description specifies the plant's measurements, but this can also vary slightly, because it is a living being! Each of Desert CITY's plants has unique characteristics.
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